Charlotte Rose Hanna

Longtime resident and Charleston native, Charlotte Rose Irwin Hanna passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, September 21, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. She was 91 years old.

The relatives and friends of Charlotte Rose Irwin Hanna are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 AM Friday, September 29, 2023 at Nativity Catholic Church, 1061 Folly Road, James Island. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery on James Island. The family will receive friends between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM Thursday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Edward Hanna, Sr., youngest son, William “Bill” John Hanna, her parents, three brothers and three sisters. She leaves behind her children Ronald Hanna, Jr. (Kay), Martha Burns (Kevin), Lori Campbell (Rick) , Lillie Aquino (Peter), nine grandchildren - Ronald Hanna, III (Rachelle), Eric Burns (Katie), Ryan Burns, Ross Burns (Miranda), Morgan Metcalf (Mac), Hanna Fierbaugh (Aaron), Taylor Aquino, Kaitlyn Aquino, Sawyer Aquino, four great-grandchildren - Kelsey Burns, Kayley Burns, Liam Burns, and Wade Metcalf, her sister, Shirley Irwin Hanlon and dozens of nieces and nephews. She will be sorely missed.

Charlotte was born and raised in Charleston. She graduated from Bishop England High School where she played basketball. She met the love of her life, Ron, while attending a Citadel function. They instantly hit it off when she said these three words, “I play basketball.” They were married on June 13, 1953 and were soon starting their family. They would briefly live in Asheville, NC and Spartanburg, SC before permanently settling on James Island and becoming longtime members of Nativity Catholic Church, Nativity Women’s Guild, Red Hat Ladies Society, and The Elks.

Her passion for caring for others led her to get a degree in nursing from Roper Hospital and continuing education through the Medical University of South Carolina, where she would work until she ended up retiring. She would care for ailing family members and later in life, her husband who battled cancer. Her selflessness knew no bounds.

Charlotte volunteered to work the night shift so she could be there to send her kids off to school in the morning. She would then drive her kids around to practices even though she hated driving. Her favorite saying when told, “you’re driving too slow mom,” was “better to get there in one piece late than not at all!” She never missed an opportunity to cheer her kids on at a game or performance. She took pride in her children's accomplishments and later in life, her grandchildren.

In midlife, she started a second career and became a business owner with her lifelong friend, Betty Turner. The business concept was to deliver gift baskets for special occasions and brighten peoples' days, something she was accustomed to doing. They aptly named the business Charleston Love Baskets. She would continue with this endeavor for several years before finally deciding to retire and enjoy time with her husband.

She loved spending time with her children and entertaining friends and family. She believed in making you feel welcome to her home the minute you crossed her threshold, offering food and drink if you were older or escorting the kids to the candy drawer. The door was always open for anyone in the neighborhood at any time including as a place for others to stay when needed. She was the consummate hostess, always ensuring everyone was having a good time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you exemplify Charlotte’s giving nature by paying it forward through a random act of kindness for a family in need, public safety officer or healthcare worker.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.